car rental in iceland

For the Ring Road, the Golden Circle and the south coast in summer, a normal car is fine. For any F-road into the highlands the rental companies require a 4x4 and their conditions say so, and in winter a 4x4 with winter tyres gives you a wider margin on icy stretches. Pick the car whose listed conditions match where you actually want to go.

Late May to September gives long daylight, open highland roads and the easiest driving. From October to April expect snow, ice and sudden road closures, so plan shorter days, check road conditions each morning and keep a flexible itinerary.

A full driving licence held for at least a year is the usual requirement, and each company sets its own minimum age and young-driver conditions. If your licence is not in the Latin alphabet, bring an International Driving Permit alongside it. The exact conditions for every car are shown before you book.

Deposit and insurance terms differ between companies in Iceland, so they are shown per car before you book. You will see what is included, what the excess is, and whether a deposit is held on your card at the desk.

You search from this page and see live cars and prices on our partner’s site. When you choose one, the booking completes on their secure checkout, where you confirm the details and receive your voucher. Show the voucher at the desk on pick-up.